Photo: Sandy WolkenbergCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Fireweed Plant Care
Erechtites hieracifolia (L.) Raf.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily identified by its deeply lobed, serrated leaves which have a distinctive jagged appearance. Originating from North America, it is sought after by plant collectors for its unique visual appeal and ability to thrive in a variety of growing conditions.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Fireweed?
Water Fireweed every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Fireweed Native To?
What Is the Fireweed?
Fireweed (Erechtites hieracifolia) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Erechtites genus. Fireweed is native to the Americas. Fireweed is also known as American burnweed, Pilewort, Ragweed.
Fireweed displays a tall, upright annual growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Fireweed produces small, greenish-white flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Fireweed?
Erechtites hieracifolia requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Fireweed Need?
Fireweed thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Fireweed Prefer?
Erechtites hieracifolia grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Fireweed prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Fireweed?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Fireweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Fireweed?
Feed Fireweed every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Fireweed?
Repot annually in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Fireweed?
Fireweed can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to prodromus systematis naturalis regni vegetabilis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Fireweed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Fireweed, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Fireweed?
Fireweed is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Fireweed Need?
Fireweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Fireweed is native to the Americas.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Fireweed is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Erechtites genus — compare its care with other Erechtites species on PlantoScan.
Erechtites is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Fireweed thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Erechtites Species
Other Erechtites species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Erechtites hieracifolia (L.) Raf., family Asteraceae (first published in 1821) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Fireweed, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Sandy Wolkenberg, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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